222 CHARGE AGAINST ROBERT 



in the examination of Sir Robert Cotton ; whom we 

 find hitherto but empty, save only in the great point 

 of the treaty with Spain. 



This examination was taken before his majesty s 

 warrant came to Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, for commu 

 nicating unto us the secrets of the pensions ; which 

 warrant I received yesterday morning being Friday, 

 and a meeting was appointed at my lord chancellor s 

 in the evening after council ; upon which conference 

 we find matter of farther examination for Sir Robert 

 Cotton, of some new articles whereupon to examine 

 Somerset, and of entering into examination of Sir 

 William Mounson. 



Wherefore, first for Somerset, being now ready 

 to proceed to examine him, we stay only upon the 

 duke of Lenox, who it seemeth is fallen sick and 

 keepeth in ; without whom, we neither think it war 

 ranted by his majesty s direction, nor agreeable to 

 his intention, that we should proceed ; for that will 

 want, which should sweeten the cup of medicine, he 

 being his countryman and friend. Herein then we 

 humbly crave his majesty s direction with all conve 

 nient speed, whether we shall expect the duke s re 

 covery, or proceed by ourselves ; or that his majesty 

 will think of some other person, qualified accord 

 ing to his majesty s just intention, to be joined with 

 us. I remember we had speech with his majesty of 

 my lord Hay ; and I, for my part, can think of no 

 other, except it should be my lord chancellor of 

 Scotland, for my lord Binning may be thought too 

 near allied. 



